Alcohol can ruin your physical and mental health when it gets out of control. While you may think you are feeling good temporarily, you could also be feeling sluggish, pass out easily, and deal with a number of health issues. By knowing the benefits of abstaining from drinking, you will have more of an urge to stop.
How Your Brain Works Better When You Stop Drinking
Regular alcohol consumption can shrink the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making. The cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and motor control, can also shrink. These effects will likely make it hard for you to think clearly, be coordinated, multitask, and access short-term memories. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that if you stop drinking for at least a few months (or longer, ideally), your problem-solving skills will improve, as well as your memory and attention. You may even be in a better mood than before.
What Happens to Your Weight When You Stop Drinking
Alcoholic beverages bring empty calories to your diet, especially when combined with high-sugar drinks. Alcohol consumption can also cause you to want to eat junk food. Alcohol adds no nutritional value to your diet. All alcohol will do for your diet is add to your weight gain. Cutting down on your consumption of alcoholic beverages can reduce belly fat and bloating, as well as help you stay in shape.
Why Your Chances of Cancer Are Reduced When You Stop Drinking
A study in the American Journal of Health says that alcohol is responsible for 3.5% of cancer deaths. When you drink, your body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, which damages DNA. When your DNA sequence is damaged, cells begin to divide when they should not, ultimately resulting in tumors. Reducing alcohol consumption can keep you in good health, as well as prevent your cells from dividing. This can help minimize your chances of developing cancer — particularly mouth, liver, esophageal, and breast cancer.
How Abstaining From Drinking Affects Your Immune System
Alcohol can weaken your immune system and leave you vulnerable to diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis. One round of excessive drinking can prevent your body from fighting itself from infections for up to 24 hours. Abstaining from alcohol consumption can leave you feeling stronger and happier than ever before. To prevent alcohol from robbing you of everything you enjoy in life, seek help as soon as possible. Find out what it is like to be the best version of yourself and experience many moments you will remember.
Alcohol has the potential to ruin your life when not treated. You cannot be your whole self with alcohol, as it can slow you down and make you sick. Your friends and family may look at you differently. No one should have to go through their life like this — there is a chance to feel good again. Alta Loma’s transformative treatment center understands your struggle with alcoholism and is here to help. Through comprehensive treatment strategies, our treatment facilities can remind you about all that alcohol has taken away from you and how much better your life will be without it. We are dedicated to connecting you with the best addiction treatment specialists, who can help you to manage your addiction and mental illness symptoms, as well as guide you through 12-Step programs, life and coping skills education, structure and stability, and more. Take back your life and get treated for alcohol use disorder by calling us today at (866) 457-3843.
